How Interior Health is building a community of medical leaders

February 4, 2026

The graduating class of NAVIG8 Cohort 3. The program celebrated the graduation of its third cohort in summer 2025 and launched its fourth cohort in September.

At Interior Health (IH), there are many opportunities for medical staff to advance their careers through professional development and leadership programs.

One such program is the IH NAVIG8 Emerging Medical Leaders Program. Launched in 2019, NAVIG8 is a two-year, in-house leadership program. It’s designed to equip new and emerging medical leaders with the skills needed to excel in health-care leadership roles, while building a community of medical leaders who can help continuously improve health care.

NAVIG8 is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and is the only health authority medical leadership program in Canada recognized by the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders as a pathway to certification as a physician executive.

Through case studies, workshops and experiential learning projects, participants explore the characteristics that define successful leadership. The program provides hands-on experience, mentorship from senior leaders, and practical tools to that support participants to lead effectively in a dynamic health-care environment.

“There is no course like NAVIG8 that can better prepare you for leadership roles in the health authority. You will learn an incredible amount regarding the health-care system, your leadership style and your personal areas of strength and growth. This isn’t just a course regarding health-care leadership; it is a course that teaches you about yourself and how you can leverage your surrounding supports to help you grow as a refined and competent leader.”

-- Elena Karissa Schroeder, hospitalist, physician lead of the Cranbrook Memory clinic, RMAC chair East Kootenay

Explore the many opportunities for medical staff to advance their careers at IH through a wide range of quality ongoing education opportunities.

Explore physician Careers@IH

“NAVIG8 taught me that there is no single way to be a strong leader, and that strong leadership results from being authentic, honest and compassionate. I believe in myself much more as a leader than I did prior to the course.”

-- Dr. Kevin McKechnie, Kootenay Lake Hospital

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